Do I need to give myself a western name?

September 28, 2017

JobsInGTA.com has received a question from one of the candidates asking if it is recommended to give himself a western name.

Jay Shah, the manager, says that if you choose a western name to lower bias and potential discrimination against you throughout the recruitment cycle, this might not help. The recruiters may understand and get relevant information about you by just reviewing your education and work experience. However, in case that your original name’s hard to pronounce, it is advisable to choose a short-form of your name (the first few letters) or a western name.

This being said, it is important to understand the potential biases during the recruitment cycle. As the democratic systems mandate that recruiters should base their selection criteria solely on the merit of potential candidates, the human nature might initiate some hidden biases against gender, age, origin, etc.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to spend enough time preparing his/her tools such as a customized resume and a well-written LinkedIn profile. The time and effort you invest in showcasing your skills, credentials and demonstrating how you are the best fit for the announced vacancy are necessary to advance your career. On the other hand, networking is crucial for job seekers to understand the demand of the job market and where they fit within that market.